Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Battle of Imphal’ M.M. group of eight awarded to Corporal H. Yarker, West Yorkshire Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2058190 A-Cpl. H. Yarker. W. York R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (2058190 Cpl. H. Yarker. M.M. W. Yorks.) mounted for display, generally very fine (8) £1,000-£1,400

M.M. London Gazette 27 July 1944:

‘Near Molvum, Imphal area, on April 23rd, 1944, Corporal Yarker’s platoon was leading the advance of the company when it came under heavy fire. The platoon commander was one of the first casualties. Corporal Yarker, on his own initiative, at once took command of the platoon, and manoeuvred it into a position from where it could engage the enemy at very close quarters.

By this prompt action the remainder of the company was enabled to get into a better position and continue the fight. Later on, when ordered to withdraw his platoon, he disengaged with considerable skill and successfully extricated his men.

Finally, on conclusion of the action, he returned to his previous position, a distance of two miles uphill, to salvage a wireless set which had been left by a wounded signaller. Throughout this action Corporal Yarker displayed coolness, skill and gallantry of a very high standard.’

Harry Yarker was a native of Huddersfield, Yorkshire. He served during the Second War with the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, and after the war was employed at I.C.I. Huddersfield.

Sold with a newspaper cutting, mounted on card, relating to the award of recipient’s M.M.; and copied research.